03 MARCH 2015

Ricky Burns keen on Beltran rematch

Ricky Burns 4

Many thought Ricky Burns was lucky to escape with a draw against Mexican-American challenger Raymundo Beltran in Glasgow on September 7th. The WBO Lightweight champion was dropped in 7th round and sustained a broken jaw during the fight.

Beltran appeared to have done better work over the course of the 12 rounds and seemed very unfortunate not a gain the decision and the world title strap. Beltran, although vocal about the decision was gracious in defeat.

Burns, 36-2-1 with 11ko’s has publicly stated that he wishes to rematch Beltran as he feels its the correct thing to do, talking to BBC Sport Scotland he said;

“I think it’s only right to fight Raymundo again,” Burns said. “I think it’s the fight the fans want to see. My jaw is on the mend. It’s healing the way it should. I’ve been doing light training and hopefully I’ll be back boxing in five to six weeks. I think people know that wasn’t the real me in that ring. I was in survival mode from the second round. I wouldn’t say it crossed my mind that I would never fight again but I was thinking, ‘is the same thing going to reoccur?

Whether this fight happens though remains to be seen, although Beltran would no doubt jump at the chance to fight Burns again, he would have to travel to Scotland again to do so. Also, Burns’s mandatory contender, Terrance Crawford may push the WBO for his shot ahead of a Beltran return.

Burns’ promoter, Eddie Hearn commented;

“I think he [Beltran] deserves his shot and, more importantly, Ricky wants to put the record straight,” Hearn said. “The key now is the rehabilitation of Ricky Burns. We can’t rush things. We really won’t know until he is back sparring, taking blows on that jaw again.”